Has tremendous bat speed and can generate a wealth of power. Aside from being a pure hitter, he helps himself offensively by stealing bases. In the field, he has a great throwing arm and pretty good feet.

Flaws:

As he continues to grow, the shortstop position may not be an option at the big-league level. Also, he needs to tone down his act a little when between the lines, since he can grate on opponents now and then.

Career Potential:

Offensive infielder with big upside.

Career Honors & Awards

League

Honor

Description

Southern League (AA)

All-Star Team

2013

Florida State League (A)

All-Star Team

2013

Movements & Injuries

2015

3/30/2015

Optioned to Iowa (AAA).

3/05/2015

Re-signed by the Chicago Cubs to a one-year contract.

2014

8/05/2014

Contract purchased from Iowa (AAA).

3/22/2014

Assigned by the Chicago Cubs to their minor league camp.

1/24/2014

Invited to spring training by the Chicago Cubs.

2013

3/17/2013

Assigned by the Chicago Cubs to their minor league camp.

Career Transactions

2011

6/06/2011

Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 1st round (9th overall) in 2011.

Player News

| 07/25/2015 8:00 AM

News

Baez (finger) played in his first rehab since breaking his finger, going 1-for-3 with an RBI on Friday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

rotowire.com

| 07/10/2015 3:24 PM

News

Baez (finger) remains without a firm timetable for a return, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

rotowire.com

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez was sent to the minor league camp on Monday. | 03/30/2015 1:40 PM

News

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez was sent to the minor league camp on Monday.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

He'll join the rest of the star-studded minor league prospects - Kris Bryant and Addison Russell. Baez has struggled with the strikeout going down 95 times in 213 at-bats last season and 20 times in 52 at-bats this spring. Tommy La Stella and Arismendy Alcantara will see time at second base.

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez has gone 0-for-9 with six strikeouts to start the Puerto Rican Winter League playoffs according to FOX Sports. | 01/22/2015 12:20 PM

News

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez has gone 0-for-9 with six strikeouts to start the Puerto Rican Winter League playoffs according to FOX Sports.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Baez also struck out 21 times in 43 at-bats during the regular season in winter ball. Baez has great speed but doesn't put the ball in play enough.

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and scored a run against the Pirates on Sunday. | 09/14/2014 7:21 PM

News

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez was 1-for-3 with a stolen base and scored a run against the Pirates on Sunday.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Baez showed off his speed on Sunday, beating out an infield single and then stealing second. The throw allowed Baez to advance to third, and he scored on a sacrifice fly. Baez is an exciting fantasy player in the future with tremendous power, and he is also 4-for-4 stealing bases.

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez hit a solo home run against the Pirates on Friday. | 09/12/2014 11:06 PM

News

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez hit a solo home run against the Pirates on Friday.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

The homer was Baez's eighth of the season, but Baez is hitting just .173. He has 14 RBI and 16 RBI in 150 at-bats this season.

Cubs 2B Javier Baez will return to second base after Starlin Castro is activated from bereavement leave.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Hopefully the six games he played at shortstop will make him eligible in your league. He is still hitting just .207, but with seven home runs and 11 RBI in 82 at-bats he's shown he'll one day be one of the best power-hitting middle infielders in the league.

Cubs 2B/SS Javier Baez hit a solo home run, his seventh of the season, to help the Cubs defeat the Orioles, 7-2, on Saturday. | 08/23/2014 9:13 PM

News

Cubs 2B/SS Javier Baez hit a solo home run, his seventh of the season, to help the Cubs defeat the Orioles, 7-2, on Saturday.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

This is Baez's second home run since he took over the shortstop position in Starlin Castro's absence and his fourth since August 16. He is still hitting just .218 with seven home runs and 11 RBI in 78 at-bats this year.

Cubs 2B/SS Javier Baez hit his sixth homer of the season Wednesday against the Orioles. | 08/22/2014 9:30 PM

News

Cubs 2B/SS Javier Baez hit his sixth homer of the season Wednesday against the Orioles.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Baez has performed exactly as advertised. He's hitting .216 with six homers and 31 Ks in 74 at-bats. That's a pace of 40 homers and 209 strikeouts per 500 at-bats.

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez will play shortstop for the Cubs while Starlin Castro is on the bereavement list. | 08/21/2014 3:11 PM

News

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez will play shortstop for the Cubs while Starlin Castro is on the bereavement list.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Baez has been playing mostly second base since his promotion to the Cubs on August 5. Castro lost a cousin and three close friends to a car crash on Wednesday and may be home in the Domincan Republic for an entire week. Baez has scored a run in each of his last three games.

Cubs second baseman Javier Baez went 2-for-6 with one RBI Sunday against Tampa Bay.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

In his first six MLB games, Baez has hit .276 with three homers and five RBI, but he's also struck out 10 times in 23 at-bats. The 21-year-old is an all-world talent, but he's going to have growing pains and his trade value likely won't be higher than it is right now, at least in 2014. It's a different story in keeper leagues, of course.

Baez is three games into his major league career and he's averaging a home run a game after blasting two more Thursday afternoon. His home run total ties him with Prince Fielder, Derek Jeter and Angel Pagan. Saying his future is bright is an understatement, though obviously he won't keep up this pace.

Baez is three games into his major league career and he's averaging a home run a game after blasting two more Thursday afternoon. His home run total ties him with Prince Fielder, Derek Jeter and Angel Pagan. Saying his future is bright is an understatement, though obviously he won't keep up this pace.

Welcome to Javier Baez's world major league baseball. | 08/07/2014 6:21 PM

News

Welcome to Javier Baez's world major league baseball.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Baez is three games into his major league career and he's averaging a home run a game after blasting two more Thursday afternoon. His home run total ties him with Prince Fielder, Derek Jeter and Angel Pagan. Saying his future is bright is an understatement, though obviously he won't keep up this pace.

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez went 1-for-6 with a solo homer and three strikeouts in his MLB debut Tuesday at Colorado. His home run put Chicago ahead in the top of the 12th inning. | 08/06/2014 1:12 PM

News

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez went 1-for-6 with a solo homer and three strikeouts in his MLB debut Tuesday at Colorado. His home run put Chicago ahead in the top of the 12th inning.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Tuesday's game summed up Baez pretty well. He struck out 130 times in 388 at-bats with Triple-A Iowa this season but also had 49 extra-base hits (23 HR), 80 RBI and 16 steals in that span. He'll have some growing pains, but the 21-year-old should be owned in all leagues.

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez will make his major league debut Tuesday in Colorado. | 08/05/2014 4:58 PM

News

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez will make his major league debut Tuesday in Colorado.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

The natural shortstop and Chicago's top prospect, has been working at second base in Iowa and will play there and bat second. The bat shouldn't be a problem (23 HR, 80 RBI at Triple-A) as long as he can play on the other side of second base.

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez is expected to be called up Tuesday to join the Cubs for the first game of the series in Colorado, according to baseball analyst Bruce Levine. | 08/04/2014 2:01 PM

News

Cubs 2B/SS prospect Javier Baez is expected to be called up Tuesday to join the Cubs for the first game of the series in Colorado, according to baseball analyst Bruce Levine.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

The natural shortstop and Chicago's top prospect, has been working at second base in Iowa. The bat shouldn't be a problem (23 HR, 80 RBI at Triple-A) as long as he can play on the other side of second base.

Baez collects home run, double | 07/18/2014 2:48 PM

News

Cubs prospect SS Javier Baez went 2-for-4 with a home run, double and three RBI on Thursday for Triple-A Iowa.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The 21-year-old started at second base in the game, marking the first time he's played the position since spring training. Baez's long-term future at shortstop was complicated by the Cubs acquisition of Addison Russell earlier this month, so it's not surprising he's now seeing playing time at another position. Beyond that, Baez is currently riding an 11-game hitting streak during which he's batting .273 with four home runs, five doubles and 11 RBI. Overall, he's posted a .244/.306/.462 batting line with 15 home runs, 20 doubles, 58 RBI, 15 steals and a 111-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season in 85 games at Iowa.

Javier Baez starting at 2B for Triple-A Iowa | 07/17/2014 8:07 PM

News

Cubs infield prospect Javier Baez is starting at second base for Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Tommy Birch on Twitter

Impact

It's the first time as a pro that he's played a position other than shortstop. With Addison Russell to be promoted to Iowa eventually and Starlin Castro holding down shortstop for the big league club, Baez's future could be at second base. The 21-year-old has had a rather disappointing season at Iowa, batting .240/.305/.449 with 14 homers, 55 RBI and 15 stolen bases. Still, while he's not a finished product, his fantasy upside is immense, and he should make it up to the majors quickly if he proves to be a quick study at second base.

Baez clubs 13th home run | 07/07/2014 11:22 AM

News

Cubs prospect SS Javier Baez went 1-for-4 with his 13th home run of the season Sunday for Triple-A Iowa.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The 21-year-old quietly has rebounded from a dismal first month of the season and is now batting .241/.310/.448 with 13 home runs, 17 doubles, 50 RBI and 15 steals through 79 games. However, Baez's penchant for whiffing has continued to hold him back, as the right-handed hitter has posted a 105-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio on the year. That said, Baez has shown steady improvement since the beginning of June, batting .266/.347/.492 with six home runs, eight doubles, 10 stolen bases and a 42-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Cubs SS prospect Baez rips 2 hits, double | 07/01/2014 12:22 PM

News

Cubs shortstop prospect Javier Baez went 2-for-4 with a walk and a double for Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez's .243/.305/.437 has been buoyed a .275/.345/.471 line in June. His strikeout rates have decreased each month, from 34.9 percent in April to 34.5 percent in May to 29.3 percent in June. If he can continue his improved performance, he could see time in Chicago in late summer or September.

Cubs SS prospect Baez with 3 hits, double | 06/21/2014 10:19 AM

News

Cubs prospect shortstop Javier Baez went 3-for-4 with a double for Triple-A Iowa on Friday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Though he is hitting .226/.281/.435 for the season, he has shown some life in June, hitting .234/.282/.484 with two doubles, one triple, and four home runs in 71 plate appearances. Additionally, his strikeout rate has decreased each month, as it was 34.9 percent in April, 34.5 percent in May, and 32.4 percent in June. His isolated power has spiked in June, as it is .250 for the month and .209 for the season.

Cubs SS prospect Baez blasts 10th home run | 06/16/2014 7:56 AM

News

Cubs shortstop prospect Javier Baez went 2-for-4 with a home run on Sunday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez snapped a five game hitless streak with aplomb, showcasing his power. Whenever he seems to get going, he follows it up with a multi-game hitless streak. Baez has generated the most buzz in the Cactus League, but has scuffled in Triple-A, hitting .223/.279/.431, striking out 34.3% of the time.

Cubs SS prospect Baez triples, homers | 06/10/2014 9:12 AM

News

Cubs shortstop prospect Javier Baez went 3-for-5 with a triple, a home run, a sacrifice fly, and a stolen base for Triple-A Iowa on Monday, raising his season line to .239/.298/.457.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez has been blistering hot over his last four games, going 8-for-16 with a double, a triple, two home runs, and two stolen bases. He is still striking out far too much, but a hot few weeks could force the Cubs to promote Baez to give their fans their first glimpse at who could be the face of the franchise.

Cubs SS prospect Baez homers, doubles | 06/07/2014 10:39 AM

News

Cubs shortstop prospect Javier Baez went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run for Triple-A Iowa on Friday, raising his season line to .222/.284/.426.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez also struck out twice, and now has 68 strikeouts on the season in 194 plate appearances (35.1%). This game encapsulated Baez's skillset, immense power coupled with high strikeout totals. It is good to see Baez is back after missing a few games after getting hit on the wrist by a pitch on Sunday, but he will need to put together a longer hot streak before a promotion is a possibility.

Javier Baez (wrist) scratched from lineup | 06/02/2014 8:58 PM

News

Cubs infield prospect Javier Baez was scratched from Monday's lineup at Triple-A Iowa after being hit in the wrist with a pitch Sunday.

Phil Rogers on Twitter

Impact

Baez doesn't have any broken bones, as the injury is expected to be a day-to-day situation. The top prospect is hitting just .220/.281/.411 this season, though he does have seven homers, 25 RBI and seven steals.

Baez extends hitting streak to 11 games | 05/27/2014 11:36 AM

News

Cubs prospect SS Javier Baez extended his hitting streak to 11 games on Monday, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and three RBI for Triple-A Iowa.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez has quickly overcome his dismal start to his season at Iowa, as the 21-year-old slugger is batting .422/.429/.867 with eight doubles, four homers and 14 RBI in 49 plate appearances during his hitting streak. Overall, Baez is batting .225/.287/.437 this season with 17 extra-base hits (seven home runs), 25 RBI and a 56/12 strikeout-to-walk ratio through 39 games for Iowa.

Baez finally heating up at Triple-A | 05/23/2014 3:02 PM

News

Cubs prospect SS Javier Baez turned in his best game of the season on Thursday, going 4-for-5 with two doubles, a home run and two RBI for Triple-A Iowa.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The home run was an absolute bomb, as Baez blasted it out of Triple-A Round Rock's stadium to straightaway left field. The 21-year-old appears to have finally turned the corner after a dismal start to his season, as he's put together a seven-game hitting streak during which he's batting .429 (12-for-28) with five doubles, three home runs and only five strikeouts. The recent hot streak has lifted Baez's season batting line to .201/.270/.396 through 35 games to go along with six doubles and six home runs.

This was his first multi-hit game since April 22 and only his third multi-hit game of the season. His season line leapt from .141/.230/.295 before the game to .169/.250/.313 afterward.

Cubs prospect Javier Baez blasts third homer | 04/29/2014 10:03 AM

News

Cubs infield prospect Javier Baez hit his third home run of the season on Monday, as part of a 1-for-3 day with two walks.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The walks were the third and fourth of the season for Baez, which is a good sign because he needs to work on his patience and pitch selection. He's only hitting .172/.238/.379 for the season, so he needs to improve his performance before he could be considered for a promotion.

Baez missed a week of action with a left ankle injury, but he's fine now. Iowa is easing him back into things, though, as he's in the DH spot Sunday.

Javier Baez (ankle) lands on Triple-A DL | 04/13/2014 1:32 PM

News

Cubs infield prospect Javier Baez has been placed on Triple-A Iowa's disabled list with a left ankle sprain.

MiLB on Twitter

Impact

It doesn't appear to be a major injury, but the Cubs will play it safely with the top prospect. Baez is hitting just .154//.214/.423 in his first eight games this season for Iowa, though he does have a pair of home runs.

Baez connects for second home run | 04/11/2014 2:06 PM

News

Cubs prospect SS Javier Baez hit his second home run of the season on Thursday for Triple-A Iowa.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez, 21, got off to a slow start, going 1-for-18 with a home run and eight strikeouts through his first six games. He was also ejected from a game earlier in the week and reportedly had an altercation with catcher Eli Whiteside in the team's dugout. However, as expected, the highly touted slugger has started to pick up the pace as of late, as he's gone 3-for-8 with a double, home run and two RBI in his last two contests. Expect Baez to debut in the major leagues sometime before the All-Star break, possibly as early as June.

Javier Baez has altercation with teammate | 04/08/2014 7:47 PM

News

MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports that Cubs infield prospect Javier Baez "reportedly exchanged words and had an altercation in the dugout" with teammate Eli Whiteside during a game at Triple-A Iowa Saturday.

MLBlogs.com

Impact

Baez started the season 0-for-9 and was ejected from Saturday's game after arguing a checked swing third strike call, which apparently sent him over the edge. The good news is that he and Whiteside apparently made up, and Cubs president Theo Epstein called it "a great development and experience" for the top prospect. Baez could be promoted to the big club before the All-Star break.

Baez hits first Triple-A home run | 04/07/2014 11:29 AM

News

Cubs prospect Javier Baez connected for his first Triple-A home run on Sunday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez didn't start but entered the game as a pinch hitter, finishing 1-for-2 with the home run. The 21-year-old is considered one of the top prospects in the minor leagues, and he's expected to arrive at some point around mid-season.

Baez had made waves in recent days with the Cubs playing him at second base, and the possibility that he could be an option for them there at the beginning of the season. He's likely to join the Cubs at some point around mid-season, after the Super-2 deadline has passed.

Javier Baez diagnosed with heel contusion | 03/21/2014 7:01 PM

News

Javier Baez was diagnosed with a right heel contusion after landing awkwardly on first base while beating out an infield single on Friday.

Bruce Levine on Twitter

Impact

Baez is considered day-to-day and is listed on the reserve roster for Saturday's Cactus League contest. The fact that the dynamic young infielder is still in Major League camp could mean that they are seriously considering keeping him as the starting second baseman on the Opening Day roster.

Baez leaves after landing on bag awkwardly | 03/21/2014 5:56 PM

News

Javier Baez left Friday's game against the White Sox after landing on first base awkwardly while beating out an infield hit.

ESPNChicago.com

Impact

Baez came up limping but was eventually able to walk off the field on his own without any apparent issues. The injury looked minor, as the Cubs were likely just playing things cautiously. Baez is tied for the spring training lead with five home runs.

Baez makes first start at second base | 03/17/2014 6:28 PM

News

Javier Baez, making his first start at second base since high school, went 1-for-3 in split-squad action against the Athletics on Monday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Baez singled and struck out twice. That he started at second base is interesting because it shows that the Cubs have more than a fantasy of bringing Baez with them when the regular season opens. Starlin Castro has the shortstop position locked up for now, so Baez could displace Darwin Barney at second.

Javier Baez starting at second base Monday | 03/17/2014 11:01 AM

News

Javier Baez is starting at second base in Monday's Cactus League game versus the Athletics.

Chicago Tribune

Impact

Baez hasn't played the position since high school, but the Cubs are looking at ways to get the top prospect into the lineup with Starlin Castro settled in at shortstop. Also notable is that Darwin Barney is starting at shortstop Monday, as he's probably looking at a future utility role if (when) Baez takes over at the keystone.

Javier Baez could get chance at second base | 03/15/2014 2:44 PM

News

Javier Baez will get a start at second base on Monday or Tuesday.

Gordon Wittenmeyer on Twitter

Impact

It will be the first start for Baez at second base since his high school days. With Starlin Castro locked in at shortstop, it could be the fastest path for the uber-prospect to make an impact with the Cubs. The fact that he's still in camp at this stage, means that it could be a non-zero chance that he cracks the Opening Day roster.

Baez slugs mammoth homer in Cactus game | 03/13/2014 9:06 AM

News

Javier Baez crushed a mammoth home run in the Cubs' Cactus League loss to the Mariners on Wednesday.

ESPN Chicago

Impact

Baez showed amazing bat speed on the drive, which sailed well over 400 feet. It was his third home run of the spring, and he now boasts a 1.190 OPS in Cactus League play. The 21-year-old middle infield prospect should make his debut at the major league level in June.

Baez survives latest round of cuts by Cubs | 03/12/2014 7:10 PM

News

Javier Baez remains in Cubs camp after the latest round of cuts.

Carrie Muskat on Twitter

Impact

Starlin Castro's hamstring injury has given the 21-year-old a chance to show what he's got, and he's making the most of it. Baez is still viewed as a longshot to make the club out of spring, but the shortstop has impressed thus far and the Cubs want to continue to see what he can do. Cubs manager Rick Renteria said Baez could play second base in games next week. "We want to still be able to see him work and play at different positions," Renteria said. In any case, Baez' time in Chicago is close.

Baez homers against the Brewers | 03/03/2014 7:25 PM

News

Javier Baez went 2-for-3 with a solo home run Monday against the Brewers.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Brewers starter Marco Estrada found out why Baez is considered one of the game's future stars. The young infielder smoked a high fastball well over the fence in right-center in the second inning, one of his two hits on the afternoon. The Cubs plan to give Baez some exposure at second and third base this spring in addition to his normal duties at shortstop.

Javier Baez has two hits in loss to Royals | 03/02/2014 8:44 PM

News

Javier Baez went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored in a losing effort against the Royals in Cactus League play on Sunday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The exceptionally-talented 21-year-old showed off his lightning-quick hands by scorching a pair of hits after replacing Starlin Castro who left early with a leg injury. He still has to cut back on the strikeouts and learn to control the strikezone better, but he definitely appears to be on his way to stardom. Whether he arrives in 2014 or not, remains to be seen.

Javier Baez to play second, third this spring | 02/13/2014 2:55 PM

News

Cubs GM Jed Hoyer said Thursday that Javier Baez will be exposed to second and third base this spring.

Jesse Rogers on Twitter

Impact

The Cubs are committed to Starlin Castro as their starting shortstop and so Baez, the organization's top prospect, will be tried at different areas on the infield in drills and Cactus League play. Baez could feasibly take over for the offensively-challenged Darwin Barney at some point this summer. The 21-year-old Baez batted .282/.341/.578 with 37 homers, 111 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 130 games last season between High-A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee.

Baez will 'move around' in spring training | 12/05/2013 11:03 PM

News

Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reports that while the Cubs "believe" in Javier Baez as a shortstop, the prospect will "move around" to different positions in spring training.

Bruce Levin on Twitter

Impact

Levine said of Baez that second base "could be his" by the end of June. The Cubs have Starlin Castro at shortstop, but Darwin Barney doesn't present much of a roadblock for Baez at second. The 21-year-old batted .282/.341/.578 with 37 homers, 111 RBI and 20 stolen bases between High- and Double-A in 2013 and was named by Baseball America at midseason as the No. 10 prospect in the game.

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said that Baez was drained after a long season in the minors, so he'll rest and prepare for spring training instead. The 20-year-old batted .282/.341/.578 with 37 home runs, 111 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 130 games this season between High-A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee. He's expected to open the season in Triple-A, but he's on the fast track to the majors.

Baez named Cubs Minor League Player of Year | 09/17/2013 9:59 PM

News

After a fantastic season split between High-A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee, Javier Baez was named the Cubs' Minor League Player of the Year.

Chicago Cubs on Twitter

Impact

The 20-year-old shortstop displayed his massive power potential, slashing .282/.341/.578 with 37 homers and 111 RBI on the year. He also managed to swipe 20 bases in 24 attempts. The one criticism against him this season could be his somewhat free swinging ways, which led to a 147/40 K/BB ratio in 517 at-bats. Look for this highly-talented youngster to make his Major League debut at some point during the 2014 campaign.

Baez putting final touch on tremendous season | 09/02/2013 2:43 PM

News

Cubs top prospect SS Javier Baez went 2-for-4 with his 37th home run of the season on Monday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The home run was Baez's 20th since joining Double-A Tennessee in late June, and he now leads all minor league hitters with 111 RBI this season. The 20-year-old has been arguably the hottest hitter in the minors since the Double-A All-Star break, batting .317/.370/.683 with 15 doubles, 17 home runs, 49 RBI, eight stolen bases and a 56/17 K/BB ratio in 44 games. Overall, including his time at High-A Daytona, Baez is batting .285/.344/.583 with 34 doubles, 37 home runs, 11 RBI, 20 stolen bases and a 144/40 K/BB ratio in 129 games. He should receive his first audition in the major leagues in 2014.

Beaz putting up big numbers in August | 08/19/2013 5:37 PM

News

Cubs top prospect SS Javier Baez is batting .377/.434/.638 with nine doubles, three home runs, 17 RBI and 18/7 K/BB ratio this month at Double-A Tennessee.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The 20-year-old initially struggled following a promotion to Double-A in late June, but has been one of the hottest hitters in the minor leagues over the last month. Beaz is also coming off a torrid week in which he batted .381 with four doubles, two home runs and seven RBI. Overall, the shortstop has batted .279/.342/.564 with 31 doubles, 31 home runs, 19 stolen bases and a 131/37 K/BB ratio in 116 games between High-A Daytona and Double-A Tennessee.

Baez settling in at Double-A | 07/26/2013 2:56 PM

News

Cubs top prospect SS Javier Baez went 2-for-6 with a pair of home runs and four RBI on Thursday for Double-A Tennessee.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The 20-year-old was promoted to Double-A Tennessee in late June after he posted an .873 OPS with 17 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 76 games for High-A Daytona. After struggling over his first two weeks at the more advanced level, Baez has turned things around over his last 10 games with a .279/.311/.837 batting line and seven home runs, and has now homered in each of his last three contests. Although he's posted an impressive .875 OPS with 22 doubles and 25 home runs in 93 games this season across both levels, Baez's lack of plate discipline (103/24 K/BB) still leaves something to be desired.

Cubs to promote Javier Baez to Double-A | 07/05/2013 11:07 PM

News

Cubs top prospect Javier Baez will be promoted to Double-A Tennessee on Saturday.

Daytona Beach News-Journal

Impact

The 20-year-old shortstop certainly proved his worth at High-A Daytona, hitting .274/.336/.537 with with 17 homers, 57 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 75 games. With his questionable defense, and Starlin Castro already entrenched at shortstop at the major league level, many scouts believe he'll be moved to third base at some point in the future.

Baez hit a two-run homer in the first, a solo homer in the third, a three-run homer in the fifth and another solo shot in the seventh. He also made his 26th error of the season in the game, as his questionable defense is why many feel he won't stick at shortstop. Nevertheless, he's an exciting prospect with the bat, sporting a .291 batting average with 13 dingers and 44 RBI this season for Daytona.

Baez goes boom in the desert | 03/09/2013 6:02 PM

News

Javier Baez had two hits, including a two-run homer in the first inning, in the Cubs loss Saturday.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The home run was his second of the spring, and his good day raised his Cactus League average to .360. Still, the 20-year-old shortstop is at least two years away from contributing to the big club. At this point, days like Saturday just fuel the hype machine for the top prospect.

Cubs confirm Baez not candidate for majors | 02/10/2013 6:00 PM

News

Cubs president Theo Epstein confirmed that top prospect Javier Baez will not be given a shot at making the team in spring training.

Chicago Tribune

Impact

Baez is in training camp as a non-roster invite, but isn't close to being major league ready and will likely open 2013 at High-A Dayton. The 20-year-old batted .294/.346/.534 with 16 home runs, 24 stolen bases and an .888 OPS in 80 games last season between two levels of the minors. Starlin Castro remains the Cubs' shortstop of the immediate future, but there's been speculation that he could be moved for Baez at some point.